BREAKING NEWS: Elders gather at Spirit Lake to assert their authority

Over 60 elders of the Spirit Lake Tribe gathered in the auditorium of the Spirit Lake Casino Thursday afternoon to voice their concerns about their tribe, specifically tribal government.

By Louise OlesonJournal Managing Editor

Over 60 elders of the Spirit Lake Tribe gathered in the auditorium of the Spirit Lake Casino Thursday afternoon to voice their concerns about their tribe, specifically tribal government.

It has long been held within the Dakota tradition that the elders are to be listened to, respected and revered. A number of those elders came together to express their love and concern for their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, for their tribe and the future of the Spirit Lake Nation.

Spirit Lake Tribal Elder Bernice Juarez asked those gathered in the auditorium to come forward, take the microphone and say whatever they wanted to express. “This isn’t a time to argue or debate, we want everyone to have their say,” she explained.

“Something needs to be done,” she added. “We’re here to express our concerns.”

And express them, they did.

. . . .

Not everyone agreed with all the speakers. A vote taken when the speaking was done after a motion to remove the entire tribal council from office resulted in hands raised in favor of the motion and none were raised to oppose it.

It would seem a revolution has begun.

Another meeting of the Spirit Lake Nation Elders is planned for 11 a.m. today, Friday, April 12 in the auditorium of the Spirit Lake Casino where they will discuss where to go from here.

For this whole story, see the front page of the Devils Lake Journal Friday, April 12.